Five things you shouldn't do on your work computer
'01.10.2021'
Source: Jana delphi
Today, our daily life is more than ever subject to technology. Many companies provide their employees with mobile phones, computers and other means of communication. Thus, they take care of their subordinates and try to insure the internal flow of information as much as possible. However, this automatically imposes additional restrictions, writes Jana delphi.
Having a working computer, tablet or phone is convenient: you left the gadget in the office and forgot about work. The equipment provided by the company can be much more powerful and modern than the means of communication that you use on a personal basis.
Now that most businesses have moved to remote scheduling, many have moved their work gadgets home. The home environment is relaxing. But you shouldn't do on your work computer what you used to do on your personal one. Your company's IT specialists can easily access information on your work computer even remotely. It is unlikely that you want someone to look into the browser history of your work computer and see something that should not be there, namely:
1. Storage of personal files
Keeping personal files on your work computer can seem like a tempting idea because it is “very secure”. Moreover, this idea will only be reinforced by the fact that you usually store a lot of important files on your work computer about clients, work tasks, etc. But still, before you save something intended only for you in your working files folder, think about the fact that others can also access this information. Colleagues will find it especially easy to do this if you have a shared file storage system installed at work.
2. Bad statements about someone and incorrect communication
Many companies have introduced a unified messaging system, where you can correspond with any employee on a daily basis. Undoubtedly, sometimes colleagues who are on friendly terms tend to discuss, including issues not related to work. It may also be tempting to complain to someone about another colleague or boss. But still, before speaking badly about someone, you need to think carefully. Although this will be a private chat between you and a colleague, your company has access to any correspondence. With this in mind, you definitely don't want your comments to reach the management that decides whether to fire or hire a person.
3. Shopping on the Internet
In the process of work, thoughts “floated away” somewhere else? It seems like the working hours are going unimaginably slow? Have you seen an ad on Facebook for a sale on your favorite online store, but it only lasts for a few hours? All of the above can be tempting to take a break from work for a moment and see what the store has to offer. However, if you cannot perform work duties on a personal computer, but perform them on a computer that is the property of the company, it is better to forget about the sale.
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If someone looks at the browser history on your computer, they will spoil their opinion of you, because during working hours you need to work, and not buy a new swimsuit, dress or shoes. Plus, when you shop online from your work computer, you put your personal information, such as your credit card number, at risk. While it is likely that only you use your existing computer, any other colleague can use it if needed. Or, as a result of gross negligence, your data may fall into the hands of a third person.
4. Viewing job announcements and additional earnings
Sure, looking for a new job can be exhausting, but your current work hours are not the best time to consider openings, especially if you use a work computer. If necessary, IT-specialists can access both your e-mail and view your actions on the Internet. If the information that you were looking for another source of income during working hours reaches your boss, this obviously will not lead to anything good, and it is possible that everything will end even with immediate dismissal.
Often, one source of income is not enough to support ourselves and our family, so we are looking for additional income, and there is nothing wrong with that. But you should always strictly separate one work from another: to complete one, you should not use the tools and technologies designed for the other. By performing additional duties on your personal computer, you avoid the possibility that someone in your company finds out that you are earning somewhere else. In some workplaces, it is very important to keep this a secret, as the policy of the firm provides for complete loyalty and excludes work outside of it. In addition, in this way, you will avoid creating your professional unsuitability and negative opinion about yourself.
5. Using social networks and dating sites
If this is not part of your job responsibilities, then using social media on your work computer and during your work day is another unacceptable activity. This not only shifts your attention and keeps you from performing your direct duties, but also allows you to think that you are interested in anything more than work.
In addition, it is advisable not to post on social networks during working hours, and if you do, then seriously think about the content of the post. Remember that all the entertainment provided by Facebook, Instagram and other platforms is not going anywhere at the end of the working day and when you turn on your personal computer.
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At the moment, when we are forced to distance ourselves, meeting new people is very difficult, which allows dating sites to find a second wind and increase their value. Although there is nothing wrong with meeting your soul mate on the Internet, you should not do this while working and on your office computer. Why? Even with extra care and deleting your browser history, information about your online acquaintances can reach the IT department of the company or, quite by accident, to your colleagues. Also, don't install dating sites on your work smartphone - if you love the Tinder app, use it only on your phone.
